Common ADA Compliance Mistakes
1. Forgetting Alt Text for Images
Here’s the thing: images aren’t just decorative. They carry meaning, and if you’re not including alt-tags, you’re leaving some users out of the loop. Alt text is like a lifeline for visually impaired users. Without it, a screen reader just skips over your images, leaving users wondering, ‘What am I missing?’
Imagine you’ve got an image showing your company’s big win—a trophy or award photo. Without alt-tags, users relying on assistive tech are left in the dark. Adding descriptions like ‘Photo of the team holding the 2024 Excellence Award trophy’ takes seconds but makes a world of difference.
2. Poor Colour Contrast
Have you ever squinted at light gray text on a white background? Annoying, right? Now imagine having low vision and trying to read that same page—it’s practically impossible.
Contrast is everything when it comes to legibility. Tools like a
color contrast checker are lifesavers here. Stick to high-contrast combinations like black text on a white background, and save the artsy pastel-on-pastel look for your Instagram Stories.
3. Inaccessible Forms
Forms are a dealbreaker. Whether it’s signing up for your newsletter or completing a purchase, if your forms aren’t accessible, users can’t engage with your business. It’s that simple.
Picture this: a user with limited mobility is trying to complete your form using only a keyboard. They hit Tab to move through the fields, but instead of landing on the ‘Name’ box, the cursor jumps to a random button halfway down the page. Frustrating, right?
Fixing forms doesn’t have to be complicated. Add clear labels to every field, check your tab order, and test it out yourself—no mouse allowed! For comprehensive solutions, check out
ADA Managed Compliance.
4. Vague Link Text
‘Click here.’ ‘Learn more.’ Let’s call these what they are: mysteries. Users—and screen readers—have no clue where these links will take them. It’s like handing someone a map with nothing labeled.
Be specific. Swap out ‘Click here’ for something like ‘Download our free ADA compliance guide.’ Not only is it clearer for users, but it also gives your SEO a boost. Win-win!
5. Ignoring Keyboard Navigation
Not everyone navigates websites with a mouse. For some users, a keyboard is their go-to tool. If your site isn’t set up for keyboard navigation, it’s like locking the front door on them.
Here’s a challenge: unplug your mouse and try to navigate your site using only the Tab key. Can you get to every menu, button, and form? If not, it’s time to get those accessibility fixes rolling.
How to Spot Accessibility Issues
Think your website’s accessible? Don’t be so sure. Accessibility isn’t always obvious—what works for one person might be a nightmare for someone else. Here are a few ways to find out if your site is really up to par.
1. Run an Accessibility Audit
Think of an audit as your accessibility report card. Tools like
Web Accessibility Checker and Axe can scan your site and flag issues like missing tags or poor contrast. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a solid first step to understanding what needs attention.
2. Try an ADA Compliance Checker
Online checkers are great for spotting obvious issues, like broken links or missing alt-tags. They won’t catch everything, but they’re an easy way to get started. Popular tools like Lighthouse and Tenon are user-friendly and free to try.
3. Test Your Site Like a User
Want to know what your users are experiencing? Become one of them. Fire up a screen reader or try navigating your site using only a keyboard. Even shrinking your browser window to mobile size can reveal surprising gaps.
4. Get Feedback from Real Users
Automated tools are helpful, but they can’t replace real human input. Invite users with disabilities to test your site. Their feedback will uncover issues you never even thought about.
The Benefits of Fixing ADA Compliance Issues
Here’s the thing about accessibility: it benefits everyone. Better usability? Check. Broader audience reach? Double-check. Legal protection? Triple-check.
Fixing ADA compliance issues isn’t just about meeting standards. It’s about showing your audience that you care. Accessible websites build trust, improve user satisfaction, and keep your brand’s reputation intact. Oh, and they help you avoid lawsuits, too. Just saying.
Final Thoughts
As we said in the beginning;
ADA compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s an opportunity. By avoiding these common mistakes and prioritizing accessibility, you’re making the internet a better place for everyone. Start small, test often, and keep improving. Your users—and your business—will thank you.
